Enhancing public open space articulation in residential areas through design guidelines

The Fused Grid, a planning model recently elaborated by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, has yet to formulate design guidelines for its public open space system. By specifically locating residential streets, neighbourhood courtyards, and pedestrian connections within its spatial framework, the Fused Grid provides an opportunity to explore public open space articulation in more depth than previously achieved in planning. This study therefore supplements suburban planning approaches to public open spaces, with design theories of open space articulation, to formulate design guidelines for the quadrant's public open space system. The resulting design guidelines add a detailed level of articulation to public open space planning and enhance connectivity between public and private open spaces by creating effective spatial transitions. Integrating design theories with planning approaches maximizes the potential benefits of public open spaces within residential areas and is an avenue worth pursuing in future suburban planning.